The Jack Russell Beagle Mix is so much more than one of the world’s cutest hybrids. This dog packs tons of energy, intelligence, and clownish behavior into a tiny package perfect for an active family with playful youngsters.
Of course, this crossbreed dog can have some quirks to his temperament that may not mix well with some people.
Are you wondering if the Jack Russell Beagle Mix is the right dog for you? Wonder no more! Today we are talking all about the Jack Russell Beagle Mix in the hopes of helping you discover if this is your perfect pooch match.
Contents
What Is A Jack Russell Beagle Mix?
The Jack Russell Beagle mix is a cross between the Beagle and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Type: Crossbreed, Mixed Breed, Hybrid, Designer Dog
Other Names: The Jack-A-Bee, The Beagle Jack
Height: 10 to 15 Inches
Weight: 12 to 30 Pounds
Temperament: Lively, Playful, Energetic, Outgoing, Alert, Stubborn, Funny, Affectionate
Best Suited For: Active Families, Active Singles, Couples, or Active Retirees
Lifespan: 13 to 15 Years
Health Issues: Patellar Luxation, Glaucoma, Lens Luxation, Deafness, Legg Perthes Disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Dislocated Knee Caps, Allergies, Obesity, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, and Cherry Eye
The Jack Russell Beagle Mix Overview:
Both the Jack Russell Terrier and the Beagle come from similar backgrounds and can even have similar temperamental traits. Both active, playful, and friendly canine companions, these two purebreds make a lively and clownish hybrid when combined.
The Jack Russell Beagle Mix, also nicknamed the Jack-A-Bee or Beagle Jack, is a sweet-natured, curious, outgoing dog that adores his family members and gets along great with children and other pets.
Highly intelligent, the Jack Russell Beagle Mix is not the ideal dog for more laidback dog lovers. Of course, that’s not to say he can’t do well with novice owners. In fact, for the owner who is committed and patient, a Jack Russell Beagle mix could truly become your new best friend.
With all that being said, there are some pros and cons owners should consider when it comes to investing in a hybrid dog, so if you’re considering a Jack Russell Beagle Mix, it is time to talk about the crossbreed controversy.
The Crossbreed Controversy – Understanding The Origin Of The Jack Russell Beagle Mix
Jack Russell Beagle Mix dogs are considered controversial due to the fact they are mixed breeds.
The Jack Russell Beagle Mix is a newer type of crossbreed dog joining the ranks of other hybrids like the Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, and Maltipoo.
Though he may not be as well known as his curly counterparts, the Jack Russell Beagle Mix is a fast-rising star in the canine kingdom. Due to his winning temperament and family-friendly nature, it’s no surprise that dog lovers everywhere are scrambling to get their hands on this crossbreed.
And while there are plenty of pros that come from investing in crossbreed dogs like the Jack Russell Beagle Mix, there are also some cons. With that noted, let’s take a moment now to talk about the crossbreed controversy.
The Controversy Behind Modern-Day Crossbreeding
The crossbreed controversy is the idea that crossbreed dogs, also known as hybrids, mixed breeds, or designer dogs, are not as predictable as their purebred counterparts and should therefore be considered mutts if they are being considered anything at all.
However, crossbreed dogs are not mutts, as mutts have a number of different dogs in their DNA. Instead, Crossbreeds like the Jack Russell Beagle Mix are “designed” when a breeder purposefully breeds two specifically chosen purebreds to create a particular type of offspring.
Crossbreeding may sound like something strange and new, but it’s actually been going on for centuries. In fact, this practice is how we have come about most of the purebred dogs we are familiar with today.
However, it can take generations of careful breeding practices for a crossbreed dog to finally be considered a purebred, and this is after numerous traits of theirs have become more predictable.
Unfortunately, with newer generation crossbreed dogs like the Jack Russell Beagle Mix, determining traits like temperament, appearance, and even health can be left up to chance.
Still, there are some pros to investing in a hybrid.
If you’ve ever heard of the term “hybrid Vigor” then you’re familiar with the theory that crossbreed dogs and mutts are often deemed healthier than their purebred counterparts.
This theory exists due to the fact that purebred dogs have been notoriously overbred throughout generations in an effort to maintain the more predictable breed standard. The result has been that purebred dogs are more likely to pass on genetic ailments and diseases to their offspring.
When you crossbreed a dog, you are in a sense widening that dog’s gene pool. This means that a crossbreed dog or mutt may have a greater chance of avoiding particular health issues passed down from one particular parent breed.
Of course, this idea is not foolproof and it’s certainly not accepted by everyone. Those who discount hybrid vigor and the idea that purebreds are more healthy than crossbreeds point out that genetics cannot be predicted either way, and any dog can be predisposed to genetic health issues regardless of its parentage.
So, if the Jack Russell Beagle Mix is so unpredictable when it comes to temperament, appearance, and health due to being a crossbreed, how will you ever have any idea of what type of dog you’re investing in?
Don’t worry. There is a way.
While we can’t 100% predict what your specific Jack Russell Beagle Mix will look and behave like, we can help you get an idea of his genetics by taking a closer look at his parent breeds. Let’s begin with the Jack Russell Terrier.
The Jack Russell Terrier
Named for the man who created him, John Russell, the Jack Russell Terrier is a small, muscular Terrier type bred for fox hunting in England.
Jack Russell Terriers come in two coat types including smooth and wire, and they are famous for their incredible intelligence, high energy levels, and outgoing disposition.
Friendly and affectionate, Jack Russell Terrier dogs make wonderful companions for families with older, playful children. They even get along well with other dogs.
However, Jack Russell Terriers can also have a high prey drive and their high-energy levels can be overwhelming for more laid-back owners. They can also be somewhat stubborn, and if left to become bored, Jack Russell Terriers can be destructive.
On the other hand, these dogs are highly trainable, eager to please, and a joy to work with. They are so smart that they have become one of the most famous working breeds in Hollywood!
The Beagle
The Beagle is a darling dog that is compact yet sturdy. This sweet-natured, playful, and energetic purebred was also bred and perfected as a hunting dog in England, specifically designed as scent hounds to run alongside their masters on foot.
Bred smaller than the average hound dog, the Beagle was considered a hunter’s favorite companion, especially if that hunter and his family couldn’t afford the costs of a larger hound or gun dog.
Though no one knows for sure, many speculate that the Beagle was named for his unique bark. According to the American Kennel Club, it is likely that the name Beagle was coined after the French word “beguile”, which translates to gaped throat.
With that noted, it comes as no surprise then that the Beagle may be a more vocal dog. But what about his mixed-breed offspring? Which types of personality traits will this pup inherit?
Keep reading to find out.
The Jack Russell Beagle Mix – Let’s Talk Temperament!
This is a dog that has plenty of energy and makes a playful and loving companion for children.
Although it can be difficult to determine the exact temperamental traits of a particular hybrid dog, we can compile a few of the common traits of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Beagle in order to get a good idea of what their offspring may behave like.
Both the Beagle and the Jack Russell Terrier do well with children, which means it’s more likely than not that your Jack Russell Beagle Mix will make a wonderful dog for families with youngsters.
This is also going to be an active, energetic dog, so he certainly will not be the ideal dog for those who are looking for a more laid-back and relaxed canine companion.
Jack Russell Terrier Beagle Mix dogs are very friendly, and they’ll enjoy meeting new people and having doggy playmates so long as they have been properly socialized at an early age.
However, remember that the Jack Russell Beagle Mix is the offspring of two working dogs with hunting origins, and this means that their hybrid offspring could have a very high prey drive.
Though not known to be aggressive, we should also note that it’s always safest to supervise very young children around your Jack Russell Beagle Mix. We also suggest working with children on how to understand basic canine body language to help them get a read on how their dog is feeling.
Not only will this help strengthen the bond between you, your dog, and your children, but it can also help prevent a bite down the road while ensuring everyone in the home is getting along safely and happily.
How To Train And Properly Socialize The Jack Russell Beagle Mix
Training and socialization can help reduce problematic behaviors in your dog as he ages.
The Jack Russell Beagle Mix is not only a clever dog, he is also eager to please and easy to train. These are winning combinations that will make this energetic, playful pooch a joy to work with so long as you are patient and consistent.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that the Jack Russell Beagle Mix is an easy dog to train. In fact, sometimes very clever dogs like this hybrid can become bored easily, which means they are quick to become distracted.
The Jack Russell Beagle Mix may also exhibit some stubborn behaviors, especially if he deems training sessions to be dull.
The best way to get the most out of your Jack Russell Beagle Mix is to ensure training sessions are kept short, game-like, and fun. Most experts agree that training sessions kept in short increments of five minutes or less with playtime in between are most effective.
It’s also important to avoid punishment or scolding during training sessions, as aversive training techniques could cause your dog to shut down. Instead, use positive reinforcement training tactics that utilize lots of praise and tasty, high-value treats.
Zuke’s Training Treats
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High-value training treats are dog treats that are small in size, very smelly, and very chewy. This combination makes treats very palatable for dogs and they will help to hold your dog’s attention due to the aroma.
If you’re not sure which treats to invest in when looking for quality training treats, we recommend taking a look at Zuke’s Training Treats above. These treats have all the characteristics needed to make them high-value. Most importantly, they are low in calories and made with real ingredients that you can feel good about sharing with your dog.
You can also use these treats when you’re working on socialization.
All dogs require routine socialization beginning early in puppyhood and then constantly throughout their lifetime.
Without proper socialization, the Jack Russell Beagle Mix can grow up to become anxious, depressed, and even aggressive.
The best way to socialize a dog is to ensure he has as many positive new experiences as possible while he is young. We recommend introducing your Jack Russell Beagle Mix to children, strangers, other dogs and animals, sights, sounds, and environments as often as you can safely.
And though it is important that your Jack Russell Beagle Mix has new experiences, it’s also important that you don’t force him into experiences you can see he is clearly fearful of.
This could actually exasperate fears in the future, leading to behavioral problems down the road.
Tips On Exercise and Mental Stimulation For The The Jack Russell Beagle Mix
The Jack Russell Terrier mix needs routine daily exercise every day to ensure he is happy and healthy.
We did mention a few times here that the Jack Russell Beagle Mix is a high-energy dog, and without proper exercise and mental stimulation he can exhibit destructive behaviors. These behaviors could include barking, marking, and chewing, especially if your dog is left to become bored throughout the day.
The best way to keep your dog mentally and physically healthy is to ensure he gets enough routine exercise every day.
The best exercise for a Jack Russell Beagle Mix is going to be two good walks a day as well as some dedicated playtime in a securely fenced backyard.
Many Jack Russell Beagle Mix dogs also enjoy going to dog parks and running around with other small to medium-sized dogs of the same temperament.
When you are walking your Jack Russell Beagle Mix, it’s important to always keep him on a leash and proper harness. Remember, the Jack Russell Beagle Mix can have a very high prey drive, and he may be prone to running after smaller animals like squirrels or rabbits when out and about. This could put him in danger, especially if you are walking near a street.
Easy Walk Front Clip Harness
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Front clip harnesses not only help reduce pulling in energetic dogs, but they also fit snuggly and help ensure a safe and comfortable walk for both you and your pup. The above harness is a dog harness that comes in several sizes so you can adjust it to fit your unique dog.
It is designed to help make walking feel more natural for your pup, which not only reduces your dog’s natural urge to pull but redirects him back to you should he get ahead of himself.
Along with routine daily walks, it’s also important that your Jack Russell Beagle Mix gets plenty of mental stimulation throughout the day. You can provide this to him with routine training sessions, or you can set up fun doggy obstacle courses around your home and encourage him to use them by offering treats and praise.
The Jack Russell Beagle Mix will also appreciate playing with puzzle toys or chewing on KONGS filled with his favorite snacks.
Toys like KONGS, puzzle toys or even treat balls can help to keep your dog busy and active while you’re away to not only help reduce your chances of coming home to a mess but also ensure your dog is less anxious and bored while waiting at home for you to return.
The Jack Russell Beagle Mix And Grooming Maintenance
This is a mixed breed that has very minimal grooming needs.
Many people love the idea of mixed breeds because it allows them to potentially wind up with a hybrid dog that is hypoallergenic. This is not the case with the Jack Russell Beagle Mix. In fact, the Jack-A-Bee comes from two parents that are shedding breeds, and he can be prone to shedding mildly year-round.
Though he is not a heavy shedder, he could still be problematic for those who suffer from allergies. However, you can help manage shedding by ensuring your dog is kept properly groomed.
With his shorter coat, the Jack Russell Beagle Terrier Mix should only need to be brushed once a week or so using a slicker brush or deshedding comb.
Your Jack Russell Beagle Terrier Mix should also have his ears cleaned routinely and kept free of waxy buildup or moisture that could lead to ear infections. He will need to be bathed once every few weeks, though it’s best not to over bathe him as this could lead to a stripping of the natural oils his coat produces that help to keep it healthy.
When you are bathing your Jack Russell Beagle Terrier Mix, be sure to use a quality shampoo that is specified for canine use. Avoid using human shampoos or shampoos made with dyes, parabens, alcohols, or other ingredients that could be harmful to your dog’s skin and coat.
When it comes to using the proper shampoo, we recommend using a hypoallergenic dog shampoo. This is because the Jack Russell Beagle Terrier Mix can be prone to suffering from skin allergies and hot spots, which can be exasperated by certain ingredients in some products.
Because the Jack Russell Beagle Terrier Mix is such an active dog, he should also have his nails trimmed or ground down regularly to keep them from breaking during play or exercise.
Nail Grinder
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Though many people do opt to take their dog to a professional groomer to have their nails trimmed or ground down, this is something you can easily learn to do on your own. The above electric nail grinder for dogs and cats works to not only help keep your dog’s nails at a manageable length but will also help reduce the chances of you accidentally cutting his nails too short.
Does The Jack Russell Beagle Mix Have Any Health Issues?
The Jack Russell Beagle Mix, like all dogs, can be susceptible to a few genetic health issues.
Jack Russel breeds in particular are known for being relatively healthy, and the Jack Russell Beagle Mix, being a hybrid, also has the benefit of hybrid vigor.
However, this does not mean that your Jack Russell Beagle Mix is free and clear of any health issues, and it’s important you keep in mind that your dog could be susceptible to any and all of the genetic health issues of his purebred parent breeds.
When considering a Jack Russell Beagle Mix, you should be aware that this dog has a lifespan of between 13 and 15 years. The most common potential health issues he could be susceptible to include but are not limited to:
- Patellar Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Lens Luxation
- Deafness
- Legg Perthes Disease
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Dislocated Kneecaps
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- And Cherry Eye
Though you can’t always predict what your dog may be most likely to encounter as he ages, there are several steps you can take to help ensure you raise the healthiest Jack Russell Beagle Mix possible.
Go Through Reputable Sources When Looking For A Puppy or Rescue Dog
First and foremost, it’s important to go through reputable sources you trust when looking for your puppy or rescue dog.
When going through a breeder, the average Jack Russell Beagle Mix can cost you around $600, which is a relatively low cost for a puppy. This means there should be no reason you’d need to cut corners or go through backyard breeders, online sellers, or uncertified breeders in the hopes of saving money.
Reputable breeders are important because they take care to ensure they are using responsible breeding practices, which can play a major role in your Jack Russell Beagle Mix dog’s health as he ages.
When you do go through reputable breeders, they will often be able to provide you with paperwork proving your dog has been screened and cleared of any serious health issues.
Of course, you also have the option of rescuing or adopting your Jack Russell Beagle Mix. Not only is this a wonderful way to find the dog of your dreams at a lower cost, but there are many benefits of going through a shelter to get a Jack Russell Beagle Mix puppy or adult dog.
Getting a hybrid dog that is over a year old means you are more likely to have a better idea of what your dog’s appearance and temperament will be like.
Furthermore, many shelters provide new owners with a free initial vet exam, and they may even provide free spaying or neutering as well as behavioral testing before you take your dog home.
Schedule Yearly Wellness Exams With Your Veterinarian
Once you do have your dog, it’s important to schedule routine veterinarian visits. All dogs do best when they see their vet at least once a year, with many vets recommending dogs over the age of 7 be seen twice a year.
Make Sure Your Jack Russell Beagle Mix Eats A Quality Diet
You may have noticed that a number of the health issues in the Jack Russell Beagle Mix dog’s list can be exacerbated by a poor diet.
For this reason, the Jack Russell Beagle Mix should eat a healthy diet specified for his age, weight, and activity level. Make sure your dog’s food contains real ingredients like real meat protein, fatty acids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients he needs in order to thrive.
Experts recommend you try avoiding dog foods that contain additives, fillers, by-products, corn, soy, wheat, or gluten.
Do You Have The Ideal Home Type For A Jack Russell Beagle Mix?
Finding the healthiest Jack Russell Beagle Mix possible means ensuring you go through reputable sources.
The Jack Russell Beagle Mix may not be the best fit for every home type or family, so it’s important to consider if he is the right fit for you before investing.
Remember, this is a high-energy dog that requires routine exercise each and every day. He also does best in homes with securely fenced yards where he can run and play and with an owner who is willing and able to be around him often and provide him with plenty of mental stimulation.
This is a dog that can make a wonderful companion for children and households with other pets, though remember that the Jack Russell Beagle Mix can have a high prey drive and be prone to chasing after smaller animals.
The Jack Russell Beagle Mix is also a shedding dog and he may not be the best fit for families who suffer from allergies.
However, if you’re an active individual or family looking for an energetic, funny, and devoted companion, you may have found your doggy match in the Jack Russell Beagle Mix!
Jen Jones is a professional dog trainer and behavior specialist with more than 25 years of experience. As the founder of ‘Your Dog Advisor’ and the ‘Canine Connection’ rehabilitation center, she applies a holistic, empathetic approach, aiming to address root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.
Well known for her intuitive and compassionate approach, Jen adopts scientifically-proven, reward-based methods, encouraging positive reinforcement over punishment. Jen specializes in obedience training, behavior modification, and puppy socialization. Her innovative methods, particularly in addressing anxiety and aggression issues, have been widely recognized. Jen has worked with many of the world’s leading dog behaviorists and in her free time volunteers with local animal shelters and rescue groups.